The NBA postponed the entire schedule of 26th August after Milwaukee Bucks refused to play their game. It was their protest against the shooting of yet another African-American Jacob Blake by a police officer.
The team openly denied to play basketball because the actions have not been taken against the shooter despite widespread plea.
NBA Teams Joined Milwaukee Bucks In Protest
It was their fifth game of the first round of Eastern Conference against Orlando Magic. As per the video, their focus was inevitably on the lack of action due to which it was impossible for them to move on normally. Other teams who chose not to play were Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. All other teams voted to continue the season.
Milwaukee Bucks was the first NBA team to lead a walk out and former President Barack Obama had their back. Obama also shared an emotional interview of former player and current head coach of LA Clippers. He claims that black people love the US but the US doesn’t love all its citizens.
What Happened To Jacob Blake?
29 year old Jacob Blake was shot 7 times in the back by police officer which was captured on the video and made viral on the internet. Reportedly the police officers shot him in front of his kids. Fortunately he survived the onslaught but became paralyzed from the waist down.
Players of the NBA instantly started an outcry after watching the video. Many of the players have already decided to halt their performance until justice is served properly. The social unrest caused by George Floyd’s murder returned to the surface. There were also different controversies about the shooting. One said that Jacob was a domestic abuser who threatened his girlfriend.
Will The Season Carry On Amidst The Racism Case?
The coronavirus halted season just resumed last month during the ongoing protests against the structural racism of America. NBA players have also bent the knee while pre-match national anthems were playing. The words BLACK LIVES MATTER were inked all over the basketball courts. Similar other protests were held after the shooting of Jacob Blake but nobody took any action.
